Tackling Poverty and Disadvantage in Schools: Understand more deeply and better address inequalities in your school by Sean Harris, Katrina Morley

This timely collection brings together research, case studies, and practical strategies to help schools confront some of the most entrenched barriers to learning. From the neurological effects of poverty to the challenges faced by displaced pupils, it blends evidence with actionable tools for leaders.

Aimed at headteachers, trust executives, curriculum leads, and teacher educators, the book balances research with practice. Chapters combine clear summaries of key studies (Hanson, Blair & Raver, Counsell, OECD) with case studies of schools like Bede Academy, Brambles Primary, and Beith Primary, plus “ideas to try” for staff and leaders.

Key themes include:

• Supporting displaced pupils through EAL, mentoring, and community links.
• Mitigating poverty’s impact on memory and processing via retrieval practice, reduced distractions, and scaffolded learning.
• Designing equitable, knowledge-rich curricula with local context in mind.
• Building cultures of social justice through pupil voice, partnerships, and staff recruitment practices.

What makes this stand out is its accessibility and immediacy. Every chapter moves quickly from research to real-world examples, making it ideal for SLT discussions or trust-wide CPD. While some suggestions assume access to specialist staff or partnerships, its tools and reflections are widely adaptable.

Verdict: A practical, evidence-led resource for school leaders serious about tackling disadvantage. Essential reading for those seeking not just to understand the problem, but to act on it.